Your cruising Hotel

on the Canals and Rivers of the UK

I was born and grew up in mid Wales. Ordained in 1976, in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon, I became a 'Country Vicar' in 1984.

In 2004, needing a break from the stress of ministry, I built Oak & Ash, two Canal Boats which I have operated as a cruising hotel for the past seven years. For the story of this change look at "Dream to Reality"

Over these years the stress has receded and been replaced by a renewed desire to serve God.

So in 2012 I will start a new stage in my life story:-

• I will seek to return to work part-time as a Vicar.

• Starting in 2012, each year June to September, Oak & Ash will work as a Cruising Guest House.

• The rest of the year Oak & Ash will be a resource for Christian work in the Gloucester area.

A Cruising Guest House.

Each Summer, starting in 2012, June to September we will offer a selection of cruises on the Canals and Rivers from Gloucester to Birmingham. (If however you fancy chartering the boats for a cruise before June and after September do get in touch and see what can be arranged. )

Eeach cruise will start with the evening meal on the Monday and finish after Breakfast the following Saturday, five nights full board accommodation, and four days cruising.

A variety of cereals and toast for Breakfast, a light lunch and a two course evening meal. All freshly cooked on the boat from local fresh ingredients.

As always you will be welcome to assist with the boats or just to sit and relax. We will be able to take up to eight guests. You can come as individuals or book the exclusive use of the boats for your party of friends or family.

By using a simpler style of operation, i.e. only two courses at night, no cooked breakfast, no bar, (you are welcome to bring your own drinks,) we will be able to reduce the price, to £350 per person, or £2,100 for a whole boat charter.

While trading as Hotel Boats we were awarded 4 stars by Visit Britain due to the quality of fitting of the boats and the service offered by the crew, a standard we will maintain.

Christian Resource.

Exactly how the boats are used for the rest of the year is only limited by the nature of the boats and the scope of your imagination.

I will run some set retreat cruises to allow individuals to come, but the boats are also available for the use of your group. A chance to step aside from the rush of the world into quiet.

Limitations to your imagination......

• The boats will only accommodate a maximum of eight guests.

• You will need to include at least one overnight stay.

• They have to be operated by our professional crew.

• We have to supply and cook the food, but you can say exactly what you want.

• They will be based at Saul Junction on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, but we could start at Gloucester if wished.

• We have to charge, but at a lower rate than for the holiday cruises.

(If you have an idea which does not fit these please still talk it over with me. )

Retreat Cruises.

Three full days cruising on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal full board included. Arrive for coffee on the first day, leave after afternoon tea on the third day. The Franciscan Daily Offices will be said including a Eucharist each morning, (optional attendance.) During each day a pattern of short talks, 5 to 10 minutes, followed by an hours' quiet cruising to meditate on it. Also cruises with just quiet no talks.

You can, weather permiting, walk along the towpath, and when we moor for lunch and at night there will be full details of local quiet walks of a variety of lengths.

We will run several of these cruises from October to May a list of dates you can book for as individuals will be published in the Autumn, or you could book any available date for such a cruiise for a group.